Cryptbergia

Clumping red foliage on star-shaped bromeliad. Clustering. Flowers insignificant. Billbergia nutans (queen’s tears) by Cryptanthus hybrid.
height 6–12in
width 5–11ft
tolerates Narrow Planting, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every week or two in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 27F
exposure Full Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength
origin Hybrid
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 15–17, 19–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

This plant is easily divided once it pumps off enough to make a dense colony.
Trim out old flowers as low as possible in the rosette.
Avoid planting under trees or other plants that shed a lot, as the litter will collect in the rosettes.